"Allan Lewis"
"Welcome Pontypridd once again to Rodney Parade. I have long been an admirer of the achievements of Pontypridd over the past 10 years."
"Firstly, under the guidance of Dennis John and Lynn Howells, they consistently were one of the premier sides in Wales and always performed heroically in Europe. And now with Richie Collins and Steele Lewis at the helm, they have maintained that momentum and their games in Europe, especially against Leicester, have once again proven what a fine team Pontypridd are."
"Their outstanding youth policy continues to produce top quality players and the latest product, that of Michael Owen, indicates how prolific the system continues to be. Over the past few years, Paul John, Neil Jenkins, Kevin Morgan, Ceri Sweeney, Steve Lewis, Martyn Williams, Gareth Wyatt, Lee Jarvis {the list is never ending), were all introduced to senior rugby at Pontypridd. Indeed, such a youth policy must be the envy of all the clubs. Furthermore, I even remember a young New Zealander and No.8 for Pontypridd play a fine game for the Scottish Under 21's a season or two ago at Stradey Park, I wonder what became of that young man 'Once an "Indian" now a "Chief"?"
"Following the disappointment of the Welsh clubs in the European competition, the battle for the top places in the Welsh domestic league returns to the fore. European qualification is important for both teams. Pontypridd R.F.C. is an experienced campaigner in Europe, whereas Newport is the new kid on the block, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for players, administrators and supporters alike. Once you have tasted the intoxicating atmosphere of the big European encounters, all clubs want more."
"Further to the excitement of the Heineken Cup, there continues to be much more conjecture about the proposed Celtic League which will provide a new intensity and quality of rugby with new opposition. However, there must be huge reservations about it's merits on a commercial basis. It may seem as a stepping stone to an eventual British League, but I still believe in the concept of extending the European competition which will provide a higher quality of rugby for all clubs in Britain and France. Would not 4 conferences of 6 teams make more sense in the European competition and played in one block during the season than the present format. Even more controversial would be the idea of introducing a "global season" when the European champions play against the Super 12 victors. Imagine playing rugby in the summer with pitches in pristine condition, the sun on your backs, and families being entertained by clubs throughout the day and early evening. Is this such a ludicrous and fanciful concept?"
"Whilst referring to rugby pitches, it would be remiss of me if I was not to take this opportunity of thanking Mark Jones and his groundstaff, James, Stuart and John Pring for their diligence in continually producing such a fine playing surface for us at Rodney Parade."
"However, back to reality of a Saturday afternoon rugby game in the middle of Welsh a winter. Croeso Pontypridd. Mae'n bleser unwaith eto i'ch gweld yma yng Nghasnewydd."
"Allan Lewis"
"FOCUS ON PONTYPRIDD"
"The men from Sardis Road have had a mixed season, but are poised on the edge of the top five in the Welsh/Scottish League, and have the talent to beat any team on their day."
"Pontypridd failed to make the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup, but earned a rare victory over English heavyweights Leicester to make things interesting in Pool 6. One man to stamp his class on the European stage was Ponty fly-half Lee Jarvis, who secured three man-of-the-match awards in six pool games. Only Cardiff maestro Neil Jenkins equalled Jarvis' achievements."
"Coach Richie Collins has tried to give Jarvis and youngster Ceri Sweeney equal time in the No.10 jersey, but Jarvis has grasped every opportunity with both hands. After being rested for the previous few games, he returned against Cross Keys and scored four tries. With eight conversions and a penalty goal to his name that day, Jarvis finished the match with a personal haul of 39 points."
"Jarvis, who tops his team's try-scoring list with six this season, also scored a try in Pontypridd's first-round 44-22 loss to Newport at Sardis Road. The other leading points-scorer for Ponty this season is reliable fullback Brett Davey, who has kicked 124 points in the Welsh/Scottish League, to go with his three tries."
"Ponty have based their game around the talents of Jarvis, the experience of captain Paul John and "Chief" Dale Mclntosh and a powerful pack which includes two highly promising youngsters."
"While tough Tongans Nalu Tau and Fe'ao Vunipola provide the grunt up front, it's 21-year-old second-row Rob Sidoli and 20-year-old Michael Owen who are catching the eye."
"Both players have "Welsh international" stamped all over them, and their size and strength have blended well with their youthful fitness and never-say-die attitudes. Sidoli, in particular, has fashioned an excellent partnership with Australian lock Brent Cockbain."
"Other danger players include New Zealander Sonny Parker at centre and Wales International wing Gareth Wyatt. Parker has added pace and power to the Ponty backline and Wyatt is getting back to his best after injury. Fellow wing Lenny Woodard has shown grit and a keen eye for an opening on his way to five tries this season."
"Pontypridd have won four of their past five Welsh/Scottish League matches, with their only loss coming at the hands of Cardiff, who sneaked home 21-14 after a last-minute Nick Walne try."
"But the Sardis Road men have struggled away from home - their recent win at Caerphllly was their first victory in their past five away matches."